1. Power in the making From hand tools to 3D printing
Dr Mike Martin
LJMU

2. Presentation in context
Child’s play – we are all, and have, been ‘makers’
Practical work at school
Engineering degree
Taught design and technology
Teacher educator
Doctoral study using phenomenology
Post-doctoral interest in philosophy
I realised Science could’nt answer any of the really interesting questions so … I turned to philosophy
Chantilas (Film: Red Planet)

3. The significance of technology
Technology influences everything
Our relationship with technology is key
In our made world we need to understand how making impacts on everything else
As we make things in different ways, how does our relationship with the ‘means of production’ change?

4. Making over time Making by hand Using hand tools Machine tools
Batch production
Mass production
Flexible manufacturing
Made to order - bespoke

5. A postphenomenological view
Human
Technology
World
Relations
Dimensions
Embodiment
Ontological
Hermeneutic
Epistemological
Alterity
Practical
Background
Ethical
Ihde, D
Kiran, A

6. Disposal / Reuse / Recycle
Another dimension …
Materials
Making process
Constant process
Human
Technology
World
Disposal / Reuse / Recycle
Materials

7. If we are makers … Materials Human Tools Technology World
Why focus only on tool use?
What about tool making?

8. Research questions How to overcome our ‘connected disconnection’?
How can we engage more with making?
Is democratising technology the answer?
So is there power in the making?

9. Making by hand What was the experience? Feeling underskilled
Power (literally) in my hands
Direct human-world contact
Child’s play …

10. Using hand tools Instantly in-control
Familiar tools bring out tacit knowledge
Tool selection made by the maker
Shaping what we want

11. Using machine tools Drawing on years of accumulated embedded knowledge
Awareness of what each tool can and can’t do
Some power is located in the machine as they define the limitations of what you can make
Who makes the machines has an influence on the end result

12. Using machine tools
Differences between materials …

13. Laser cutting Familiar design tool Limited to 2D
Cutting easily repeated
Batch production
Lots of modelling
WYSIWYG
Usually only part of the process
No direct contact with the material
The determination of the outcome is dependent on the knowledge and skill in using the software

14. 3D printing
An additive process – uses only them material that is required
Making things that simply cannot be made by hand or with hand tools
Eliminating the need for large-scale manufacturing
Reducing the need to transport things that are made

15. 3D printing Like the laser cutter – no physical contact
Tacit knowledge is then about how to use the software and the machine
What can be made is not limited to the skills of the maker in working with materials
If it can be visualised / modelled it can be made
The means of production can be in the hands of the individual

16. Reflections
Making at home means we can realise our own thoughts in three dimensions
Knowledge of making strategies is useful
Quality of outcomes is dependent on the skills and knowledge of the maker
is it for everyone? Cost is less of an issue

17. Conclusions
There are different types of power relations associated with 3D printing … here’s two …
Macro level: Power about what is made overall
Micro level: Power of the designers / makers of the 3D printer itself

18. Questions? I now have more questions … Can you help …
What have I missed?
What should I read?
What to do next?